Introduction to the Hydropower Criteria

The Climate Bonds Initiative's Hydropower Criteria define the requirements for hydropower projects to achieve Climate Bonds Certification. Eligibility is based on meeting overarching Climate Bonds Standard disclosure rules, adhering to specific GHG emissions intensity and power density thresholds for mitigation, and passing an ESG Gap Analysis for adaptation and resilience. Projects with significant ESG gaps must implement an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) with strict closure timelines to remain eligible.

• The Hydropower Criteria establish a framework for certifying hydropower projects based on their alignment with the Paris Agreement, specifically screening for greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints and negative environmental or social impacts.
• Mitigation eligibility is determined by GHG emissions intensity or power density thresholds, which vary based on when the facility became operational. Facilities operational before 2020 must have a GHG footprint under 100g CO2e/ kWh or a power density exceeding 5W/m2. For facilities operational in 2020 or later, the thresholds are 50g CO2e/ kWh and 10W/m2, respectively.
• Adaptation and resilience eligibility requires a site-specific assessment using the ESG Gap Analysis Tool. A project is ineligible if the assessment finds more than 10 total significant gaps, more than 2 significant gaps in any single section, or any failure to meet Free, Prior and Informed consent requirements.
• When significant gaps are identified during the ESG assessment, an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) must be implemented. To maintain eligibility, over 50% of these gaps must be closed within 12 months, and all remaining gaps must be closed within 24 months.
• The Criteria apply to all land-based hydropower facilities regardless of size or location, including run-of-river, impoundment, and pumped storage facilities, as well as related infrastructure like transmission lines. Tidal and other marine applications are excluded and covered under separate Marine Renewables Sector Criteria.

APA

Climate Bonds Initiative (2021). Introduction to the Hydropower Criteria. https://www.climatebonds.net/files/drupal-files/files/standards/Hydropower/Hydropower%20brochure%20Mar%202021.pdf

Chicago

Climate Bonds Initiative. Introduction to the Hydropower Criteria. 2021. https://www.climatebonds.net/files/drupal-files/files/standards/Hydropower/Hydropower%20brochure%20Mar%202021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Bonds Initiative |title=Introduction to the Hydropower Criteria |date=March 2021 |url=https://www.climatebonds.net/files/drupal-files/files/standards/Hydropower/Hydropower%20brochure%20Mar%202021.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatebondsinitiative2021introduction, author = {{Climate Bonds Initiative}}, title = {{Introduction to the Hydropower Criteria}}, institution = {Climate Bonds Initiative}, year = {2021}, month = mar, url = {https://www.climatebonds.net/files/drupal-files/files/standards/Hydropower/Hydropower%20brochure%20Mar%202021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }